Christie abruptly cancels appearance in Stafford

Jan. 9, 2014

The podium where Gov. Chris Christie was scheduled to speak at the Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 Wednesday morning sits empty. At the last moment his appearance was canceled. / THOMAS P. COSTELLO / STAFF PHOTO

Written by

Kristi Funderburk

@kfunder

STAFFORD — The good news expected regarding recovery from Superstorm Sandy during a press conference here today will have to wait.

Gov. Chris Christie canceled.

A small crowd of residents and media had gathered in the Stafford Volunteer Fire Company 1 for what the governor’s office called a “Sandy recovery milestone announcement” for homeowners at 11 a.m.

Shortly before Christie was expected at the podium, advance team member Joe Hathaway announced the meeting would have to be rescheduled. A specific reason was not clear, but e-mails made public this morning linked a senior Christie staff member to the controversial closing of access lanes to the George Washington Bridge in September.

"We were told there was a schedule change," Hathaway said. "Usually the governor doesn't just change his schedule."

Manahawkin resident and Sandy victim Jackie Terrfenko was disappointed in the last-minute change but understands the governor is busy.

She hopes he plans a future trip with good news for people still struggling like her.